tenderness and seat belts and other annoyances

[Marcieelizabeth]

I am really early to ALL this, always wanted to realize the body to match who I am, but too afraid to try. I also look at the topics and most of those here are much farther along and younger than me. 

But the one thing I am noticing so early on in this long journey is my nipples are so tender they get hit by the seat belt all the time and it hurts, and I bump into things and it hurts as well.  More my right nipple than left right now but both are tender. So basically my nipples as they grow are becoming so tender!  I am not even on HRT yet - just using OTC herbs and progesterone cream.  Is this normal?  When or will it go away?  Thanks!

[Daniellekai]

I'm not further along I can tell you that much, there's also a pretty decent sized, vocal older population on this site, herbs can have similar effects to HRT, but it's safer to have a doctor's supervision in this, because the side effects of things can be life threatening if not monitored.

That much said, tender nips is a very common early side effect, I'm not on anything yet, but I plan to cover up with something. Maybe something like pasties for when I'm concerned a bra might show in male mode, but the best solution to that problem is a bra of a comforting material.

[Marcieelizabeth]

Thanks Daniellkai - I have to say it means so much for you to respond!  I feel so alone!  I know this is who I really am, but so much is at risk with even thinking about it - let alone transitioning.  I had to start something and so I am going it alone for now - even though I know doctors and therapists are and will be a benefit - I am hoping I have the nerve to follow this through, the first day I started I could keep the smile off my face - I felt finally me.  such a long journey this is.  Thanks for the advice too - I do wear a bra in my private office, and at night I can get away with it, but driving when out the seat belt in particular really tweaks my nipples!  It is a reminder that I am becoming me though so that is good! 

[LizK]

I am really early to ALL this, always wanted to realize the body to match who I am, but too afraid to try. I also look at the topics and most of those here are much farther along and younger than me. 

But the one thing I am noticing so early on in this long journey is my nipples are so tender they get hit by the seat belt all the time and it hurts, and I bump into things and it hurts as well.  More my right nipple than left right now but both are tender. So basically my nipples as they grow are becoming so tender!  I am not even on HRT yet - just using OTC herbs and progesterone cream.  Is this normal?  When or will it go away?  Thanks!

Hi There MarcieElizabeth

I missed your introduction post sorry been doing that a bit lately...preoccupied most likely so Welcome  ...First things first what a great name...you do realise all the great ones have Elizabeth in their name...I read your intro and if I have done my sums correctly you and I are similar ages or you are actually 102 years old...I think we grew up under similar circumstances...I had no idea what was going on but I knew what I wanted I knew what was me...It has been a long long journey for you to this spot. Are you out to any of your family? or are you just feeling your way around at the moment.

OTC products can be helpful but the kind of changes you are after require some more heavy duty stuff that requires Dr's. Have you considered low dose/full dose HRT to see if that helps you feel better. It may actually work really well for you if you are feeling better after some OTC products...

I hope we can be of some help and if there are certain things you want to know ask away...

Liz

[Marcieelizabeth]

Hi Elizabeth!  Thanks for the reply and I do LOVE the name Elizabeth!  I am a mess!  and I have not come out to anyone but on here!  My wife sort of knows as my intro post said, but not really.  Early in our marriage she asked if I wanted to be woman, I was too afraid to even answer yes! She had just started seeing a therapist for depression and thyroid issues and I thought it was the therapist talking...If only I wonder whether I would be living as I should by now!  BUT - I have hinted at having something to tell a very good friend who is a mixed gender person - would be FTM transsexual but for some health issues which prevent it but they are in a relationship with a cis male so I don't know - but I digress!  But I told her I have something I have told no one that I need to tell her - so she may suspect - we have actually only met three times face to face but love each other in anon-sexual way and are best friends...SO...thatr is me now - I know I will have lots of questions real soon here - my biggest fear I guess right ow is I do not want to risk my health with the herbals, but it is all I can muster to do them right now.  BTW - I have seen your caring posts with others on here - you are such a dear!  Love to you!  Tata!

[Colleen_definitely]

I'm in a similar situation with the painful nipples.  Thank whomever came up with the idea of adjustable height seatbelts.

That said, this is normal.  When will it go away?  When it is good and ready to is the best answer I've gotten.

[Marcieelizabeth]

  Thanks so much Colleen - as they say misery loves company!

[Anne Blake]

Breast tenderness can be quite the problem and the typical seatbelt position is of no help. When mine are particularly sensitive I just put the shoulder belt under my arm rather than over the shoulder. It may reduce the effectiveness of the belt but it sure feels better.

[LizK]

Hi Elizabeth!  Thanks for the reply and I do LOVE the name Elizabeth!  I am a mess!  and I have not come out to anyone but on here!  My wife sort of knows as my intro post said, but not really.  Early in our marriage she asked if I wanted to be woman, I was too afraid to even answer yes! She had just started seeing a therapist for depression and thyroid issues and I thought it was the therapist talking...If only I wonder whether I would be living as I should by now!  BUT - I have hinted at having something to tell a very good friend who is a mixed gender person - would be FTM transsexual but for some health issues which prevent it but they are in a relationship with a cis male so I don't know - but I digress!  But I told her I have something I have told no one that I need to tell her - so she may suspect - we have actually only met three times face to face but love each other in anon-sexual way and are best friends...SO...thatr is me now - I know I will have lots of questions real soon here - my biggest fear I guess right ow is I do not want to risk my health with the herbals, but it is all I can muster to do them right now.  BTW - I have seen your caring posts with others on here - you are such a dear!  Love to you!  Tata!

Have you considered a therapist for yourself? Prior to coming out to anyone? Just someone you can talk to in private about how you feel. Maybe this friend may be able to be your confidant as you explore. Working out that you are trans is the first step...next question is...what am I going to do about it?   

The tenderness will be there for awhile...Mine are really sensitive most of the time. As Anne said a shoulder pad may help...its like the first time you really bang your breast on something...note to self, DON'T... I repeat DON'T... do that again!!!

[Marcieelizabeth]

ElizabethK - you are the best!  So caring.  I want to see someone, a therapist, but it is difficult to schedule so no one knows.  I have to think that one out.  I will come out to my friend soon, they are so trustworthy and been through so much.  I am sure they can help me calm down and figure some of this out, or at least come along for the ride.  I am so glad to have found this site! 

[Laurie]

 Hi again Marcie,

  Have you tried a seat belt adjuster? It is a clip you put on the lap portion of the seat belt and onto the shoulder segment that moves the position of where the seat belt crosses the chest. They are cheap and can be bought almost any department store or online.
  Another seat belt accessory you may be interested is a padded sleeve you wrap around the seat belt with a velcro closure to pad the section of belt you would like some padding on. It is also commonly available all over.
  I think Walmart carries both or they can be ordered online from Amazon.
 
  Both work pretty well. I bought both for my mom when she was still with us. She was very short, 4" 10" and the belt didn't fit her well as it was. Using these helped a lot.

  Hugs,
   Laurie

[Marcieelizabeth]

Thanks Laurie -

I will look into them, then I have to explain it to my family - why isn't anything easy!  ugh!  Thanks for replying I need friends here. 

Love and Hugs

Marcie

[Ofelia]

I think I am in my third growth spurt because the other day, mine were so tender just wearing a t-shirt (no bra) was excruciating!! I ended up taking pain killers... lol!

But tonight I was washing up and awkwardly, kind of elbowed myself in my left breast and suddenly, for the first time in decades, my mind conjured up this scene from Mallrats. (CW - strong language)



I never understood it then, but I really, really do now!!

[Marcieelizabeth]

Ofelia - Now that is (NOT) funny!   I think I can wait for that to happen!  but if it does I will know I am getting closer so all will be well! I hope your transition is going well! 

Love and hugs

Marcie